Sports

Real Madrid host Sevilla: A world away from September’s first meeting

Published

7 years ago

January 18, 2019

grassroots

By: Nmerichukwu Igweamaka

Sevilla versus Real Madrid back in late September was a key game in each team’s 2018/19 LaLiga Santander campaign so far, but things have changed considerably on both sides ahead of Saturday afternoon’s reverse fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Sevilla’s 3-0 win over the reigning Champions League holders was a huge result early in Pablo Machin’s term as rojiblanco coach, with the game also seeing then recent arrivals like goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik, defender Sergi Gomez and especially forward Andre Silva showing fans at the Sánchez-Pizjuan just what they were capable of.

Meanwhile, the heavy defeat was also a dramatic moment for then Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui, who never really recovered from such a score line and was replaced in the job just a few weeks later.

The rematch now comes on Saturday with both sides having had ups and downs over the first half of the LaLiga Santander season, reaching this midway stage locked on 33 points from their first 19 games. Sevilla have nudged just ahead of Real into third due to the ‘head to head’ record.

With Santiago Solari now on the Real Madrid bench, the former Castilla youth team coach has steered the team up the rankings in recent months with last weekend’s hard fought 2-1 victory at Sevilla’s city rivals Real Betis a sign of the spirit and quality that still resides within the Los Blancos squad.

One thing which has not changed so much for Real Madrid is bad luck with injuries. They were missing key first teamers for September’s game in Seville including Dani Carvajal and Isco and the situation is even worse now with Solari possibly without seven senior players for Saturday’s game, including attackers Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio.

Such misfortune can often bring opportunity for others however, and a big talking point from 2018/19 so far has been the emergence of 18-year-old Brazilian starlet Vinícius Junior. The teenager only arrived in the Spanish capital last summer but has quickly won over Bernabeu fans and pundits. Fellow youngsters Sergio Reguilon and Fede Valverde have also taken their chance to shine and were impressive in the win at Betis last weekend.

Meanwhile, Sevilla have continued to ride high in the table through the first half of 2018/19. Portugal international Silva’s two goals in September’s 3-0 victory helped him to the top of the early ‘pichichi’ LaLiga topscorer standings, while more recently it has been strike partner Wissam Ben Yedder who has been in red hot form in front of goal.

Just two points from their last three LaLiga Santander games have seen Machin’s side slip behind leaders Barcelona and second-placed Atletico Madrid in the title race, while Madrid have caught them going in the other direction. The Andalusians have also lost on each of their last eight LaLiga visits to the Bernabeu.

The 2018/19 LaLiga campaign has, however, taught us to expect the unexpected and more twists and turns are almost certain when two of the competition’s big guns meet on Saturday.

Watch Real Madrid vs. Sevilla FC this Saturday from 4:15pm on Supersport 7.

Sports

South Africa Book Spot at 2026 World Cup After Crucial Win Over Rwanda

Report by ISRAEL ORJI

Published

14 hours ago

October 14, 2025

grassroots

South Africa beat Rwanda to qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup

South Africa has officially secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, following a commanding 3-0 victory over Rwanda in their final Group C fixture.

This marks Bafana Bafana’s return to the World Cup finals through qualification for the first time since they hosted in 2010.

Decisive Victory, Turbulent Qualifying Run

South Africa’s qualification was not without controversy. Earlier in the campaign, FIFA stripped Bafana Bafana of a 2-0 win over Lesotho, converting it into a 3-0 loss after ruling that midfielder Teboho Mokoena was ineligible to play.
Despite this setback, the team showed resilience and integrity, clinching the win over Rwanda to seal their place in the World Cup.

Aftermath & Implications in Group C

The sanctions imposed earlier reshaped the dynamics of Group C, opening paths for Nigeria and other teams to capitalize.
With the point deduction applied, South Africa’s qualification became even more critical.

What’s Next

South Africa will now prepare for the global stage, while other teams in Group C aim to finish their qualifying campaigns on a high note. Nigeria, the Super Eagles, now have renewed hope after the point deduction. If they win their remaining matches and favorable results fall their way, they could advance either via group positioning or through the playoffs.

Sports

Breaking: Osimhen Runs Riot as Super Eagles Crush Benin in Crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier

Report By ORJI ISRAEL

Published

14 hours ago

October 14, 2025

grassroots

Victor Osimhen

Victor Osimhen lit up the pitch as Nigeria’s Super Eagles recorded a commanding victory over the Benin Republic in a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match, asserting their intent on the road to Qatar.

In a match full of attacking brilliance and clinical finishing, Osimhen’s performance stood out. He terrorized the Beninese defence and played a central role in Nigeria’s dominant display.

The exact scoreline and minute-by-minute details are still being confirmed, but his influence on the match was unmistakable.

Match Highlights & Tactical Notes

Osimhen spearheaded Nigeria’s attack, combining pace, power, and clinical finishing to keep the Benin defenders on edge throughout the night.
The Super Eagles maintained control in midfield and launched persistent pressure, cutting off Benin’s attempts to build meaningful attacks.
Nigeria’s defensive line held firm, shutting down Benin’s key outlets and limiting their opportunities to break forward.

Implications & What Next

This victory significantly boosts Nigeria’s chances in the World Cup qualification race, providing momentum and confidence as they push toward automatic qualification.
Osimhen’s form will be a key focal point for opposing teams going forward—his form is proving vital for Nigeria’s attacking threat.
With this kind of win, the squad’s morale and belief are likely to grow stronger, especially in high‐pressure, knockout style matches.

The Super Eagles are now looking ahead to their next fixture with renewed optimism and a sharpened competitive edge.

Sports

Disney+ unveils new channels in South Africa

Published

3 weeks ago

September 23, 2025

Ani Sandra

Disney+ - ESPN Africa linear channels

Disney+ today announced that, from 02 October 2025, the ESPN Africa linear channels will be available to South African customers at no extra cost.

Fans will have access to the two 24-hour linear ESPN channels that showcase the very best live and studio sports programming from the US and around the world, spanning major leagues and iconic competitions.

On ESPN, a world of sport awaits Disney+ customers with the National Rugby League in Australia (Aussie Rules) and Japan’s Rugby League, plus top European football action including the Scottish Professional Football League, English Football League, Dutch Eredivisie, German Football Association Cup and Turkey’s SüperLig, along with the Saudi Pro League.

ESPN 2 brings the biggest American sports, showcasing the NBA (National Basketball Association), NFL (National Football League), MLB (Major League Baseball) and NHL (National Hockey League), along with women’s and college competitions such as the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League), NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and ESPN College Football.

Both ESPN channels also broadcast studio shows capturing the latest news and analysis from across American sport and football including “ESPN FC”, “First Take”, “The Pat McAfee” Show” and “SportsCenter”. Critically acclaimed and celebrated documentaries and original programming are also available, including ESPN’s award-winning library of 30 for 30 films.

Says Diego Londono, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Networks & Sports, The Walt Disney Company EMEA: “At Disney, we are committed to delivering world-class sports and entertainment to customers across the region. The launch of the ESPN Africa linear channels on Disney+ in South Africa reflects our strategy to reach sports fans across multiple platforms and connect with new audiences, bringing iconic sporting moments together with the expansive and much-loved entertainment already available.”

Adds Kyle de Klerk, Director: Sports for The Walt Disney Company Africa: “ESPN’s unparalleled content offering will provide Disney+ customers with access to the greatest historic and live sports programming from some of the most iconic leagues and events in the world. Fans will be able to enjoy thrilling action right away as the European Football season and the NFL (National Football League), have just launched, with existing milestones to look forward to in 2025 including the start of the NBA (National Basketball Association), NHL (National Hockey League) as well as NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) football and basketball leagues.”

Disney+ has something for everyone — from blockbuster movies and hit series to much-loved Originals. Customers can enjoy FX’s “The Bear”, “The Kardashians”, “Only Murders in the Building”, “The Simpsons” and much more. The ESPN Africa linear channels will join a vast content catalogue from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and general entertainment, which also features content from Hulu, FX, Searchlight Pictures and 20th Century Studios.

All Disney+ Premium and Mobile plan customers with an 18+ content rating in South Africa will have access to the linear channels.

In addition to Disney+ in South Africa, ESPN is available on MultiChoice’s DStv and StarTimes across Africa.